New String Test - Pro Supex Big Ace 17 gauge

Strung up the Pro Supex Big Ace 17 (red) at 55# yesterday for a hit with the ball machine for an initial test. This is a much talked about string and is used by lots of players. After this initial hit, I can see why.

As you can see, I have a little different test format as I have a score based on a score of 1 to 10. Hope you like it!!

Groundstrokes

I felt I couldn't miss with this string. There wasn't a lot of power and spin was somewhere in the middle of what I have tested but control was outstanding. It's a bit mushy but not offensive and I could feel the ball on the strings nicely. I had no problem keeping the ball in and frankly, the ball landed a bit short at times. After a brief adjustment period, I re-adjusted and could get the ball deep regularly. Many times, the ball dropped in when I thought it was going out.
9/10

Serves

Again, control was there but I didn't feel any real "pop" on the serve. The spin was adequate but nothing special. I could direct the ball pretty well but it didn't feel like I was getting a lot of mph's. If you need more zip on your serves, these strings aren't it. However, if your serve needs reeled in a bit, this IS your string.
7/10

Volleys-O/H

Volleys felt real nice. Touch was excellent and control was evident. This is a very nice volleying string and I could direct the ball very nicely. This string is better than most poly strings I have tested because generally, feel isn't very good with poly strings. Big Ace is the exception. O/H's were solid and I felt confident placing them where I wanted.
9/10

Arm Issues

None. I never felt a twinge at any point during the hit. It felt soft and I feel that it would never cause any arm problems with me.
10/10

Initial Impressions - Overall

Even though I only hit for about an hour, I feel like I know this string. It's definitely a control string with a moderate amount of spin. A solid string that is for hard hitters and players who like to volley. One thing I really liked - the color! This is a beautiful red and never turned pink(ish). I could see myself using this string if I felt that I had started losing control. This string would reel me back in, I think.
8/10

My advice: if you want/need more control over your game and like poly, this may be your string. It's a solid choice for hard hitters and players who supply their own power.

I really want to see how this plays during an actual match. Weather permitting, that test will happen soon. More on that later.

Keep hittin'!!

Dan

Update on Genesis Black Magic and new tests

Wow! 15+ hours with the Black Magic/Wilson Sensation hybrid test and it's still going strong. I've worked out with my ball machine and played singles and doubles with this string and it's preforming as good or better than ANY string combo I've ever tried. And I've tried a bunch, believe me. Everywhere from the cheapest string all the way through VS Natural Gut. Black Magic is soft, powerful and the harder you swing, the better the spin and control. It's a big hitter's dream. If you're a touch player, it may not be quite as good for your game but my volleying, touch and control has been more than adequate with this string.

The problem with most Poly string is that many are stiff, dead feeling and they wear out pretty quickly. Also, they have a tendancy to be hard on your arm and wrist. With the stringing cost being in the $20-$30 range (or more at some shops), getting only 4-6 hours (or less) isn't budget friendly. The trade-off is that tremendous spin and control can be achieved with them. Almost every pro uses poly but they can afford it. So, the question has been, spend the money and get great preformance for a short time and risk arm problems or continue to struggle with other types of strings where the preformance isn't as good but is more budget friendly?

Hmm...enter so-called 2nd and 3rd generation poly strings. Many of them are showing excellent preformance and many have very good longevity. The string costs are about the same but there are several strings that are entering the budget-friendly zone.

Well, this is the reason for my testing. I want to find an excellent selection of strings for you at a low cost that will last a reasonable amount of time without wrecking your arm.

Right now, Genesis Black Magic is leading the pack in these categories but the testing continues!! As of today, I have 2 new tests coming up: Genesis Spin-X, reported to be like Black Magic with enhanced spin and MSV Focus Hex, reported to be a soft, powerful string with great spin potential based on the hexagonal shape. Stay tuned for more on these strings!!

Keep Hittin'

Dan